[?]
He paused.
He left his work, leaving his secret chambers.
"Chronomon," The Tyrant spoke. "Your Liege calls."
"And I answer," Even though a message, the Digimon of Power's voice rumbled the very floors and walls.
"I have sensed Bleak Wood erased by your power. Shall I assume you were too late in catching a Restorer?"
"You know all, Liege."
"I know only possible futures, this was among them. So, Blue Flare seeks to undermine our forces while others pursue the remains of Xros Heart." However, Ragna Lordmon made a small note to raise a new land from where Chronomon erased with the use of the Code Crown.
"Send a location and I will rend their forces asunder!"
"I ask to belay your excitement. A grand battle awaits you should you allow the Restorers more time to gain their strength. In the meantime, sate your lust for battle south, to THAT fallen kingdom. I sense he has herded the remains of the Devas and those gifted with Arkadimon's essence to his cause."
The room could feel the Lord Knight's smile. No, it shuddered from the weight of his interest being piqued.
"A shame the Zero Tamer and his partner's former body slew that Digimon before I was freed. To think, there were other Digimon who reached this apotheosis during my slumber! … Ah! But I am not empty-handed, my liege. I offer one… of the 3rd Generation!"
There was a flash of light in the dark room. Ragna Lordmon did not blink or react to the light before it faded, revealing a curious sight to all but him:
A floating bubble. Inside of the container was a young lady's body flickering in static, as if she was not truly there.
"Rarely have humans felt the brunt of my attacks, their partners whisketh them away to safety. But to think this… "Digidestined" System so robust to withstand even my attacks!"
"The Digital World loves the Human World more than the Human World loves itself." Ragna Lordmon made the bubble come closer to him. His eyes fell to her hand: there, a cracked black D-Arc shined, but barely. The Digivice was broken, spent… but the last of its power was used to protect the human. A shame that it did not apply to the partner. Then again, perhaps eternal death was better than the limbo preserved before him.
Ragna Lordmon dismissed his Lord Knight before his eyes fell on the dead Digivice, barely keeping a dying girl alive.
"Neither alive nor dead. The only thing I envy is that you are not conscious to witness it."
[South]
"When Ancient Volcamon dried up the seas, chaos was the least of the problems Digimon here faced," Petermon told the South Team. "To make a long story short, Captainhookmon rose through the anarchy. His charisma and leadership helped Digimon create the mega cloud city: Hook Haven."
"A sky city! That would be safe from the Earth Titan," Tai mused aloud.
"As much as Captainhookmon became our leader, the greed of other rivals got the better of them as they vied for the Captain's "throne" so to speak. Olegmon, the Captain's main rival, leaked Hook Haven's current location to a Paladin in exchange for being the leader of Hook Haven after deposing Captainhookmon."
Petermon's eyes narrowed. "It might have worked... if the scumbag went to a more noble Paladin. Unfortunately, he caught the attention of one of those damned Bio-Hybrids."
"Oh no," Tai's eyes widened while everyone else looked confused. Tai's mind raced as he knew the three of them. Nanami was an Eater until recently, and Tai knew Ivan would honor deals. But that left... "Kouki Tsubasa. Not that jerk."
"That reaction means you know him—a shame Olgemon did not. Kouki ambushed and captured our leader. But he was so "bored" that he turned and fought off Olegmon's forces. After defeating most, he decided to rule Hook Haven. In the assault, two Paladins came in and supported him. One you know as Sora, a Digidestined. The other? He's a Digimon known as Achillesmon."
"Achilles?" Rei noted the mythological warrior's name, as she didn't realize Digimon could even be inspired by human legends.
"He's super tough! They say he's the last of the old Olympos 12 forces." Tinkermon added. "He was unstoppable to everyone trying to fight him."
Petermon went on. "The point is, now the three rule over Hook Haven, and they're waiting for reinforcements to turn the place into a Ragna Lordmon fort. The first wave of Dexdorugreymon is already there, watching the populace and other refugees like wardens. If we don't do anything, we'll lose our home to Ragna Lordmon again. But Tink overheard the Paladins talking about hunting down the newest Generation. So, Hookmon took off with the last free of us, and we thought we'd capture Digidestined and hand them over in exchange for our City back. Of course, we'd have to aim for the other two Paladins, as we know the first one doesn't hold promises, but they showed more restraint."
Tai put his hand on his chin. "I don't know about this Achelliesmon, but Sora would vouch to leave them alone. But as a Paladin, she can't disobey Ragna Lordmon's orders if he wants to make that city a stronghold."
"Hook Haven has its defense system," Petermon explained. "Captain Hookmon knows how it works. And it's how we avoided most unsavory guests. The only reason why Olgemon knew was because despite being a rival, he was also a friend to Captain Hookmon. And he brought that monster when it was "recharging" and unusable."
The blonde Digimon rubbed his chin. "We all realized there might be potential in escaping Ragna Lordmon's army, but it requires Captainhookmon."
"Hmmm, Paladins, and Dexdorugreymon. If they have Dexdorugoramon, that would make things a lot harder..."
"Dexdorugoramon?" Stefania asked.
"Powerful Megas. Mindless. Listen to Ragna Lordmon." Tai explained partially as his mind absorbed the information. After a few seconds, he looked up. "How does Hook Haven work exactly?"
Petermon explained how the place suspends itself in the air like the ship does: using anti-gravity technology leftover from Ragna Lordmon's wars. There was a lot of it Captain Hookmon stole from in the Crown Wars.
Hearing that, Tai's features lit up. "It uses Bagra Army's stolen tech, huh? Back when we were fighting him, my pal Izzy taught me a trick or two with them."
As Tai relaxed he smirked at his captor. "Now then, call Hookmon. I've got an offer for him that a REAL pirate would like."
[Hook Haven]
It was a marvel of technology, albeit stolen. Anti-gravity and other technological marvels made the crescent city of steel reach the highest point of the stratosphere. In a way, it was another moon in the sky, one untouched and safe from the woes of the Digital World.
Until now.
Deep inside its bowels, the founder, leader, and Captain of the technological marvel... was bound in chains and left to rot in a cell.
"Unbelievable." A female voice said in disgust, but not at the one caged, but at the state he was left in. Electric walls dissipated as a brunette with brownish-red eyes walked into the cell and worked on a console. Several chains unlocked but not enough to free the Ultimate Digimon bound.
The first thing the Ultimate did... was laugh. "Ah, thank you. Those were starting to chafe. I don't suppose I can ask you to release the rest of these chains?" His voice was raspy and weak but still held a gentleman's stature.
"Good to see your sense of humor is intact," She had done what she came to do: ease his suffering. Some part of her wanted to capitulate and release the man, but she knew better. Both knew better. "Let's go, Biyomon."
"Before you go, do you mind humoring this old man?" The Ultimate spoke before she turned. "Nothing grand, just... conversation between three people. I half expected to be locked in here with that golden dunderhead, but now I'm missing even his annoying boasts."
A piece of her didn't want to. Still, she also abhorred the idea of returning to the city's surface: the horrified look on innocent Digimon's faces whenever they looked in her direction or those monsters that listen to the Tyrant. Their fear was a long-standing reminder that she had failed, a slow and painful death she'd rather not address.
Idle conversation was the lesser of two evils.
"He annoys you but you miss him? Sounds... nostalgic." She thought about someone she knew, someone who always wore goggles.
"Oh, it's a bother. However, having a "rival" keeps life a little interesting. A bit too interesting this time," He chuckled. "But, I'm more interested in the Tyrant."
"What are you talking about?" Biyomon asked.
"Well, since I'm stuck here in one place, I've been thinking," The Ultimate continued. "Let's look at the facts: Ragna Lordmon can destroy the Digital World with Digimon like Chronomon under his employ. He, himself, is no slouch, and if the Tyrant wanted to, he could cut the Digital World in half. He also does not need to. Winning the Code Crown means he also can re-shape the Digital World to whatever image he chooses. Not to mention, you humans and all other legends of old failed to supplant him."
The human felt uncomfortable hearing about their failures. Her mind recalled every generation doing their best... but ultimately failing.
"With all that, he's done what the Demon Lords wished they could do: complete victory and control over the Digital World. So, why does everyone get the impression that he's not interested in any of his spoils?"
The chained Ultimate noticed the widening eyes on the human woman.
"I'm a pirate; I understand desires drive a Digimon and human. The Tyrant rules with impunity, but it's obvious Ragna Lordmon has almost no interest in having the Digital World at his beck and call. What is his goal? Why? And how is it so important to him that he ignores the fact he has complete and total control over the Digital World?"
"I don't know," The human blurted out. "And even if I did, I doubt I'd ever under..." She trailed off.
The Biyomon looked up to her partner. "Sora?"
"Oh? That's an interesting reaction. Did you realize something?" The Ultimate asked.
"Captain Hookmon, don't make me reattach your mouth gag!" Biyomon shouted at the chained Ultimate.
"It's fine, Biyomon," Sora sighed before she fished for a necklace, one that glowed a faint pink. "... When I... when I became," She inhaled. "When I became a Paladin, The Tyrant himself asked to meet me personally."
Captain Hookmon's eyes widened. The Tyrant asking for a private audience? The idea of being alone with the Tyrant... already sent shivers down the Ultimate's spine. He didn't even want to think of all the possibilities that would entail.
"Yeah, it was nerve-wracking," Sora admitted. "Saying no was not an option. But when I did, I was surprised. He asked me one question."
"A question?" Captainhookmon looked on with surprise. "What was it?"
"He asked me, 'What does love mean to you?'" Sora held her crest. "I wield the Crest of Love, so I guess he asked if I knew about it?"
"Love?" Captain Hookmon was confused. "What did he mean by that?"
"I... don't know. But after I answered him, he just sent me back. At the time, I was just glad to be away from him but..."
(You love someone... to the point of betraying yourself.)
Sora didn't fully recall her conversation with the Tyrant, but after her answer, he noted that phrase out loud and it stuck with her. It wasn't wrong... but... the way Ragna Lordmon said that...
Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt the entire platform de-stabilize.
Sora and Biyomon went to the surface of Hook Haven, but soon the entire city started to tilt. Sora could not balance herself as she felt her body sliding off.
"Biyomon, Digivolve!" "Biyomon Digivolve to Birdramon!" In a flash of light, Sora's partner turned into an avian creature similar to that of a phoenix.
As she stabilized, Sora heard explosions and looked toward the end of Hook Haven, the side that dipped downward.
In the clouds, she spotted a flying ship launching cannon fire at one of the anti-gravity platforms. Thanks to that, Sora figured out why Hook Haven was so imbalanced.
"Lady Takenouchi." Winged heels and golden attire caught Sora's attention as the Mega Digimon appeared before her. "We are under attack."
"Achillesmon." Sora's relationship with the Mega was... nonexistent. Like most non-Digidestined Paladins chosen by Ragna Lordmon, they had a hunger for strength and glory. But Achillesmon was among those who had a sense of honor that eased the Bearer of Love. She much preferred him to the other Paladin she was partnered with. "What's going on?"
"Captainhookmon's personal guard is attacking the anti-grav generators keeping the eastern section afloat. I've sent the Dexdorugreymon to stop them, but they have help: The 100 Percent Combination."
Sora's eyes widened. "Tai's... here?"
"His yellow cloak is unmistakable," Achillesmon summoned his spear. "I wish to test myself against the best of the 1st Generation. Before Kouki hears of this at least."
"Where is that punk?" Birdramon didn't hold her disdain for the Bio-Hybrid, but Sora didn't correct her. Why would she when she agreed with her partner?
"I do not know, but as soon as he hears a fight, he will make himself known. In the meantime, I will go and challenge the Digidestined Pair who first equaled our glorious Kaiser! You may come and subdue the raiders while I do so!"
"Wait," Sora raised her hand. "I know Tai. Direct fighting like this isn't his style. Or, he only goes in the front lines as a distraction..."
"You sense more to this? I see: divide and conquer. I can see why Kaiser respected him. But he currently is decimating our forces, so I must answer."
"I'll go with you. I know he's planning something."
[Previously.]
"What are ye planning?" Hookmon narrowed his eyes at Tai.
"Simple, you guys are pirates, so act like it," Tai met the Captain's glare with a confident smile. "Why trade us for your captain? Do what pirates do, take what you want, and make those scurvy dogs eat your dust as you outmaneuver them!"
"You expect us to fight against 3 Paladins and an army of Ultimates while they have many refugees and our captain hostage?" Hookmon kept his glare.
"Not alone, not when I give them bait. After all, we know what the Paladins are really after," Tai turned to the Restorers. "I don't want to put your lives at risk if you don't want to, but I will ask: how do you all feel about being pirates?"
"Pirates?" Rei's eyes widened as she softly repeated the word.
Itsuki blinked as he heard what Tai was referring to. "You want us to join a raid?! That's stupid!"
"Nonsense!" Somehow, everyone heard Baohuckmon's voice from a far area. "Using evil to do good?! A truly heroic maneuver! You should learn more from them, Itsuki!"
"I'm hearing a fight coming up! Count me in!" Alph also howled in agreement.
"How they be hearing that? They be on the other side of the ship!" Hookmon raised his brow as he looked in the direction where the voices came from.
Tai took note the 7th Gen Digimon were stronger than the average Digimon but focused back on Hookmon. "Look, I know you wanna save your captain. But how do you think he would feel if you went with your original plan? Sure, you give us away and probably get him back. But then you'd be leaving behind everyone else he gave everything to help. Would he be happy about that?"
Hookmon's face softened. Many could see how highly Hookmon saw Captainhookmon as more than just a captain of a pirate band. Hookmon looked away... before he turned back with his eyes with a new light that was not there before.
"No. He be a pirate who taught us to steal, but never the freedom of others!" Hookmon looked at Tai. "I'll agree to whatever you got planned on 2 conditions: you all will listen to my orders when I give them. If I say it's too risky, you best listen. Or I'll throw ye overboard myself."
Tai nodded as he waited for the second condition.
"For the second one: if ye be joining the crew, for the sake of the old Digi Gods! Ye can't be lookin' like that! Tinkermon, Petermon! Get them better gear!"
"What was that about the way I dress?!" Mimi complained but no one answered her because Rei suddenly gasped in delight with her eyes shining.
"Does this mean we get to dress up as—"
[Present Time.]
Sora squinted her eyes. She recognized those goggles, poofy brown hair, and yellow cloak. And the Digidestined of Love knew Zero, currently a Victory Greymon, while he cleaved half a dozen Dexdorugreymon in a single swing.
But even though Sora knew the two, it didn't stop her confusion as she asked, "Why is Tai dressed up as a pirate?"
Tai was on Zero's shoulder, giving orders as he usually did. But he now wore gear similar to that in those famous pirate movies.
"You know," Tai said after Zero dispatched more mindless Ultimates. "I'm kinda digging the getup. I thought this would feel weird but wearing a puffy shirt is really making my body breathe better."
Tai looked up before he turned serious. "There they are. Get ready."
"100 Percent Combination!" The gold Digimon summoned his spear and slammed it on his shield. "I, Achillesmon, challenge you both to a duel!"
[Before The Challenge]
On Hookmon's ship, for every cannon that fired once, over a dozen pirate Digimon moved to reload, replace, and relaunch a new set of fire against the mindless DexDorugreymon attempting to reach them. Mangakiddmon stood at the outlook: blasting the worst of the groups before their attacks could hit or reach the flying boat.
One of the chained monsters flew past explosions and dove at the ship's crew.
"Earth Stamp!" "Dragless Spiker!" Alph as Lavorvomon and Baohuckmon slammed into the head of the Ultimate with their combined attacks, sending the chained dragon reeling backward long enough for MagnaKidmon to look down and shoot the slave in the neck, killing it instantly.
Alph kept in the air as Baohuckmon back-flipped into the deck.
"Ah-ha! Truly heroic!" Baohuckmon posed after dealing the combined blow. "To think I've become part of Super Hero Team-Up already," The champion sniffed a single tear fell down his eye. "I-I've got something heroic in my eye!"
"Marcy was right," Rei said. Meanwhile, Marc could not explain his sudden annoyance and headache. At the same time, Bibi felt like screaming vindication at the top of her lungs but reigned it in. Back to Rei, "Your partner is in control of his..." The young girl looked over to Itsuki, who seemed to be in deep thought despite their Digimon helping the crew.
Inside the bespectacled teen's mind, he kept playing the memory of Tai convincing their "enemies" to work with him. He didn't care for a bunch of criminals like pirates, but Tai's natural charisma... that was something he could use in...
"Something wrong?"
"Huh?" Itsuki snapped out of his thoughts. But before Rei could ask, everyone heard the sound of Achiliesmon challenging the 100 Percent Combination to a duel.
"Uh-oh!" Tinkermon flew up to the two. "It's the Paladins! And one of them is challenging the strong one!"
"So what? Tai can beat him, can't he?" Itsuki dismissed the fairy's worry. From what he heard and was shown, Tai was among the strongest of the Digidestined. If he could rival the Tyrant, his paladins wouldn't touch him.
"Even if he is the one who's survived the most fights against the Tyrant," Tinkermon gripped her weapon tighter. "I've seen Achilliesmon fight. Even another Mega from Olegmon's crew stood no chance against him. But we have bigger problems!"
Petermon landded on the two's other side. "Tai and Zero are the ones on the vanguard. If they are forced to fight against Achilliesmon one-on-one, more Dexdorugreymon will be upon us. Not to mention his old ally will be free to capture you two."
"Evasive maneuvers!" Hookmon's voice shouted as the ship radically dove down. When they did, a barrage of attacks sailed above them, more than there were before.
Tinkermon and Petermon were correct. Despite how Achilliesmon presented himself, he didn't wait for Tai's answer as he rushed in with speed the pair did not expect. Luckily, Zero as Victory Greymon blocked the stab from the Paladin's spear, but the problem was that Zero was forced to block even as Achilliesmon kept moving from his advance. This allowed Achilliesmon to geyser upward with the 100 Combination, taking all 3 of them out of the area for the duel he demanded.
Without Tai and Zero, the Dexdorugreymon regrouped and swarmed after the hovering Jolly Roger.
"Uh-oh!" Itsuki screamed before something flew in front of the ship with deceptive speed.
"I'm only going to say this once," Even among the cannon fire and Digimon attacks, everyone couldn't help but hear her soft but clear voice as she rode atop a fierce-looking Digimon that the Digivices revealed as Garudamon. "Surrender, and no one else will get hurt."
Rei found herself studying the Paladin, the Digidestined that abandoned her duty. She was a dear friend of both Tai and Mimi, the ones who were in the Digital World the longest. And because of that context, she could see the eyes of her senior: tired, sad, but forced to move on. It... reminded Rei of her own life before the Digital World.
"But if we surrender, we won't be able to fight!" Alph cried out before rushing right for Garudamon. "Molten Sphere!" He inhaled before firing a ball of condensed magma.
Garudamon flexed her wing outward, causing a strong wind to cut and cool the liquid heat into sliced stone. The strength of the gust imbalanced Alph as he crashed back at the ship.
"Itsuki, why didn't you scream Digimodify like everyone said!?"
Garudamon and Sora looked over to see Baohuckmon with a yellow jetpack on his back. But the champion Digimon was looking over a distressed Itsuki.
"I'm not doing something that stupid! Look, you even ruined your chance for a sneak attack by shouting after I powered you up with this... Sparrow Jet Pack card!" The be-spectacled teen yelled back.
"A sneak attack!? That's not heroic!" Itsuki's partner looked aghast.
"Lucky us, we be pirates! Captain's Cannon!" Garudamon didn't have time to react as Petermon and Hookmon launched a combined attack into her chest, along with 5 other aimed cannons.
The blow made Garudamon stagger back, allowing Hookmon to order everyone to fly towards the next objective. Dexdorgreymon attempted to block and swarm them, but Magna Kidmon focused on the incoming mindless drones as more and more flew after them without Tai and Zero's help.
Garudamon shook her head as she regained aerial balance. "Sora, are you alright!?"
"I'm fine, what about you?" Sora asked her partner. "But those two humans..."
"Are they Restorers?" The Ultimate asked as she saw the slaves of the Tyrant fail to reach the ship protected by a sharp-shooting mega. "Shall I reach the Mega Level to catch them?"
Sora was about to raise her partner to the next level before she looked up to where Achilliesmon dragged Tai and Zero.
"Wait a second. Tai, you would never endanger your charges like this unless..."
Her eyes widened as she snapped her head back to Hook Haven.
[Hook Haven.]
The plan was simple: Tai would force the attention of the Paladins on him and some of the Restorers while Mimi, Stefania, and one of the "brains" behind the Gravity System infiltrated and freed the captain. The 3rd one was a rookie Digimon of the Agumon species. This one wore a black professor's coat while the skin of this Agumon was dark blue with redish-pink eyes. The digivice named this subspecies a Fake Agumon Expert. While the naming convention was odd even for a Digimon, it didn't help that "Fake" was in the name of this genius.
"Tally-ho! This way now!" The monocle-wearing Digimon ran with urgency while pressing on an iPad-like device. "The main detention center should still receive my external codes!"
Stefania didn't quite catch what the fancy-speaking Digimon said, but she got the gist of it: he was the one to help find and free Hook Haven's leader. But even as they ran, the green-haired young woman saw Mimi's expression. Though the situation was urgent, it was obvious the brunette's mind was elsewhere.
"Mimi?" The more experienced Digidestined's eyes widened before she turned to the speaking Stefania. "Are you alright?"
The group stopped running as Fake Agumon Expert as he connected his screen to a nearby console. As he started working on it, Mimi answered.
"Sora was...is my best friend. She acts a bit naggy, but she has one of the biggest hearts I've ever known, it's why she has the Crest of Love," Mimi fished and showed her own Crest, the one of Sincerity. But the sadness on her face was a far cry from what she represented. "I still don't believe it. We've fought Ragna Lordmon for as long as we've arrived and befriended so many Digimon... Digimon that we lost to his forces or by his blade. All the times we've promised to help make the world better, the times Ragna Lordmon has almost killed us... How could they just...give up?"
"Tai said they had no choice; it was to save one of their own, right?" GD asked.
"I know, but..."
Stefania realized what she was saying. "Someone you cared for... turned into an enemy. And you don't want to acknowledge it." As soon as she said that, the group saw one of the walls opening.
"Come quickly! We might be seen by one of the mindless ultimates!" Fake Agumon Expert ran in with Palmon and Mimi following after them.
"Stefania?" Mimi stopped on her heel and turned back to see GD looking at a dazed and confused Stefania, which was a far cry from the usually spirited young woman.
Stefania blinked before she shook her head, "Scusa!" and ran after the group and into the building.
Yet, now it was Mimi's turn to worry for Stefania. The experienced Digidestined had this odd feeling that the Restorer's comment about someone close turning into an enemy...
Mimi shook her head when F.A.E. pointed to turn right at the fork in the hallway. She would have to figure out her and Stefania's thoughts later. Tai and the others trusted her while he took on the Paladins.
Running down the halls, the costumed rookie spotted one of the bigger cells and shouted, "Captain! Oh thank whatever divinity left in the Digital World preserved you!"
"Expert?" As the captive Digimon spoke, Mimi and Stefania's Digivice confirmed that the one bound was Captainhookmon. "What be you doing he..." He trailed off when he saw two new humans. But his eyes fell on Mimi, specifically the crest she wore. "Now, this be interesting. Another one of ye?"
Mimi flinched as she knew what he meant: Sora was here. Those three words vice gripped the brunette's worldview into a chokehold while Expert began to free their captain.
"Alright Captain, activate the Warp Core and we can," The "Expert" Augmon helped Captainhookmon up.
"I hid the control key," Captain Hookmon sluggishly stood to his full height. "In case someone smarter came in, which did happen, I hid the device in the one place no one would ever think to look: Olegmon's pockets. No one other than his crew would take him seriously enough to see if he had anything beyond what he already carries."
"YOU WHAT!?" F.A.E screamed with his mouth agape. "Captain, everyone can't hold off the Paladins for long! We were counting on you having it!"
"I think I missed something," GD raised his brow. "What's going on?"
Captainhookmon looked to the others. "To make a long story short, Hook Haven has a special ability aside from floating high in the air like this. To protect everyone when I was captured, I hid the main controller for that ability in Olegmon's person. Now, considering Hook Haven is tilting, I'm betting the others are distracting the Paladin's forces and ensuring I'm out in time to activate it."
"That's the gist of it, yes," Stefania agreed but was impressed with how quickly this Digimon picked up on Tai's plan.
"Now, to get to Olegmon," Captainhookmon fixed his hook arm. "He wasn't kept here with me, so my guess is that they put him in the observatory. Perfect, as that's where we need to get to the core."
"Let's..." As Captainhookmon turned, the group could hear the sound of a bird screeching. "Let's move. I know a secret path."
Everyone followed the Captain, everyone but...
Stefania halted and turned her heel. "Mimi?"
The 1st Generation Digidestined had her back turned and faced towards the bird yell. "You all go ahead. I'll follow you in a bit."
"Are you kidding?! That's probably a," The Fake Expert became silent when Captainhookmon raised his hand out and shook his head.
"Let her have this; I get the feeling all of us will be in the way otherwise."
Stefania held a hand to her chest as she felt it tighten. "Mimi, what are you?"
Mimi turned around, showing a confident smile. "I'll be fine, Stefania! You and GD help the Captain. Tai's not the only one everyone can depend on!"
Everyone felt the entire city shake. With that, Captain Hookmon shouted. "Come now! We're running out of time!"
And he ran ahead with the rookie.
"Have faith in them, Stefania! They have shown strength before, and now will be no different! This God Dragon knows they'll prevail!" GD tugged on Stefania's leg.
Stefania, seeing Mimi's smile, also did the same and ran after the others. When they all left, Palmon walked up to Mimi. "Are you sure about this, Mimi?"
Mimi lowered her smile before she reached out for her Crest. Even though it wasn't glowing, she could feel it reacting to a counterpart, one that represented love. "No. But there's no use running away from it."
The brunette walked out the secret entrance. When she did, she noticed a red feather fall out of the sky, followed by the familiar red, avian Ultimate in Garudamon. But while most would be in awe of the sky warrior, Mimi instead focused on the familiar young lady on the Digimon's shoulder.
Brown connected with reddish brown. For one single second: recognition… before a dam of emotions broke through.
"Mimi?... Mimi!... Mimi!?" "Palmon!" The Ultimate let down the human before turning back into a Biyomon. The wielder of Sincerity didn't know what to do: she expected a fight, she expected some possessed or monster with her friend's skin.
But instead, Sora Takenouchi ran up and hugged the girl with force to almost knock them both over.
"Oh my god! You're back! You're really back!" Sora hugged the girl tighter as she began to tear up.
Mimi… returned the hug. This was Sora, her best friend. Everything else was second, as Mimi returned her own bear hug.
"Palmon! Is that really you!?" Biyomon flew and did the same for Palmon.
"Whoa! I never expected you to be a hugger!" Palmon laughed but returned the action to her fellow Digimon.
It was only the sounds of distant fighting and explosions that dragged the friends back to a sobering reality.
Sora let go, her face was filled with confusion. "Wait, Mimi. Why are you here? I… I thought King Ragna Lordmon turned you into an Eater."
"I…" Mimi trailed off before her mind focused on a single word. "Did… did you call him King?"
"He… won. No one can stop him anymore, Mimi…" Sora also came to a conclusion in her mind. "Wait… Tai's here. He usually leads and distracts the enemy while others would do the important task; he'd trust the important task to people capable. Are you… fighting against him?"
Sora stepped away. Compared to every pain Mimi felt during her travels in the Digital World, seeing her best friend move away from her hurt more than any Mega Digimon attack.
"W-What are you talking about, Sora? After-after everything the Tyrant did, burning the Yokomon villages, suffocating Whalemon, ripping off Pixymon's wings… and what he did to Gennai! We promised to stop him!"
"We tried!" Sora swiped her hand. Tears began to run down her face again, but not of joy, but of sheer utter despair and frustration. "We did everything! No, even everything wasn't enough! WE SENT ACTUAL GODS AGAINST HIM AND. HE. KILLED. THEM! The creator of the Digital World and its devil COMBINED couldn't overthrow him! The Digital World as a whole couldn't kill him! No one could find out what was behind his immortality! … Did… Did Tai tell you what happened to TK?"
Mimi, also visibly shaken, only nodded once.
"He won, Mimi. The only chance we have of saving TK… if even going home, is with Ragna Lordmon. Tai—I wish I could keep fighting like him—but there's no point anymore. We can't win."
Mimi's first instinct was to say that was wrong and they could still fight and win. At least, until she recalled what Itsuki said… and when Tai looked so… defeated. Even after her mind was taken, everyone else suffered loss after horrible loss. Mimi knew Sora; if she gave up, what chance was there rea—
Suddenly, as if defying her own emotions, Mimi remembered one of GD's screams. "Tai and the others have never stopped fighting for the Digital World! I—no, WE will not let their suffering go unanswered! So swear, I, the God Dragon, GD!"
It was boastful, but then she thought back to the 7th Generation. The go-getter Stefania, the stoic but well-meaning Yuma, the calm but big-hearted Marcy, and last but never least, the skittish but kind Arshan.
It was true, everyone had suffered…
However?
-Memories of the Restorers working harder than they ever did came to her. With their banter and bonds, she remembered her own Generation, all the smiles, tears, and blood they shared along with those who sacrificed themselves to ensure they'd one day see a Digital World of peace.-
The Bearer of Serenity knew what she had to do.
"... We didn't win," Mimi said as she took out her Digivice. "But to give up now means others will suffer worse than us!" Her Digivice and Crest glowed akin to a star in the darkness. "I'm not giving up, Sora! We will save the Digital World, TK, and You! But I refuse to bend to the tyrant's will again!"
Sora gritted her teeth when hearing that. "You and Tai... are idiots!" Her words morphed into a battle cry as her own Crest and Digivice shined.
Palmon and Biyomon looked at each other, hesitant to fight their friend… but ready to see it all through.
In a flash of two lights, the battle between Love and Sincerity began.
[Stefania and GD]
GD looked back as the four of them ran, "Mimi is fighting!"
"Are they stupid!?" Fake Agumon Expert yelled. "There are too many refugees around! A fight between Megas here will destroy Hook Haven!"
"No, their aura is strong, but it's not Mega. I think they both are fighting as Ultimates!" GD yelled back.
"Mimi," Stefania whispered. How could she not be worried? Win or lose, Mimi was fighting her best friend. The idea sounds painful and stressful, let alone doing the action.
"Faster," Captainhookmon raised his voice but did not yell. "Believe it or not, the others have an easier job now. There are 3 Paladins, and we need to get to Olegmon before the 3rd one returns. Compared to the other two, he makes the others look like Saints."
The group ran towards an aptly named Observatory, a domed shaped building. It took less time for the Captain and Expert to reveal a secret path downward. But as they made their way, they felt the building shake.
"Wait, this isn't from the fighting outside," Captain Hookmon looked down. "That shake came from… no!"
He ran down faster, and Stefania and GD could only look on in awe. While Hook Haven looked to be a combination of future tech combined with the times of piracy, the interior core of the floating City looked like something straight out of sci-fi world: sharp white walls that showed not even the speck of dust, sleek, cybernetic lines that pulsated with electricity that almost moved like a heartbeat.
And all those lines connecting to a glass container the size of a mansion, contained within a core of pure energy squirming with enough power to keep this city afloat.
A thought passed both Stefania and GD, "What kind of technology was being used during the Crown Wars?"
However, despite the massive and expanse core, almost mirroring a different version o f the Death Star's insides, everyone could see… signs of a fight? Before the electrical core were two figures: one, a golden Digimon that Stefania's Digivice recognized as Olegmon, and the other?
Both she and GD were surprised to see another human. Was he a Paladin? But he had no partner. The man was lightly tanned with purple eyes, blond hair that was short, spikey, and sandy. He wore a normal blue and yellow t-shirt, black pants, and had a piercing on the bottom of his lip.
He looked normal, but the way he stood over the chest of a haggard Olegmon suggested he was anything but.
"Come on, this is all you got? I didn't even get to use my full power." The man turned, seeing Captain Hookmon. "Well, well, look who got sprung out! I was about to find that aura, but even the Big Man would throw me into a more boring job if I don't do what I'm told. …" His eyes trailed off before they fell on Stefania.
His grin turned greedy as he then gave off a wolf whistle. "Well now, I wasn't expecting a babe to be here."
Stefania felt disgusted as she turned away from the leer. "Faccia di culo!"
But the man only smiled as he stepped forward. "Good, I like my women with some bark."
"Halt, heathen!" GD jumped forward. "You've insulted Stefania, so you've insulted me, GD the God Dragon of the Digital World! Apologize to my companion or be destroyed!"
The man looked at the Gumdramon before he threw back his head in mocking laughter. "Oh please, aside from the Big Man, I'm the strongest of the Paladins, Kouki Tsubasa, one of the Bio-Hybrids!"
"Ha! Strongest of the Paladins?! You're more bark than bite!" GD cried out. "Tai told us all about how you got your butt kicked by Marcus Damon multiple times!"
Hearing Marcus Damon's name made Kouki's eyes narrow before a burst of overwhelming DNA charge geysered out of the human. The force of the aura sent Olegmon's body rolling to one of the walls while everyone else barely braced themselves.
"Marcus Damon is no more! I'm the strongest DNA Charge user in the Digital World!" Kouki's words made the entire floor rumble. Stefania could only stare in horror as she thought back to Keenan's DNA charge and some of Yoshino's, but their DNA Charges revealed nobility and responsibility. Kouki's DNA Charge revealed his soul as a wild-beast lashing out blindly and destructively.
But the moment passed as Kouki stopped. " Wait. Tai… as in "the" Tai Kamiya? You know, I've never fought the famous Zero Tamer. Maybe I'll kill them both and the Big Man will give me more power. I bet he isn't as tough as everyone says they are."
"Tai and Zero need not dirty their hands to face you!" GD exclaimed. "Stefania, I allow you to release the font of my power!"
Stefania took out her Digivice, making Kouki's eyes widen as he realized it was a 5th Generation Digivice. "DNA Charge!"
Stefania unleashed the energy needed to transform GD into Veedramon. Stefania looked at her DNA charge, wondering how she could get her aura to flare as it did when she protected both Tai and Mimi, but her thoughts went away when GD rushed over to where Kouki was.
Captainhookmon looked over in alarm. "Wait, don't!"
"Magnum Punch!" But it was too late; GD closed the distance, and filled with anger, unleashed one of his strongest punches at the Bio-Hybrid.
But Kouki didn't try to dodge. He had no need to as GD's fist rammed into the blonde man's face…
The blow made Kouki's jacket sway from the impact of the blow, but that was all GD's attack could accomplish. He did not even budge an inch from the attack.
Kouki's first reaction was to smile. "You think a measly champion is gonna mess with me?" Kouki vicegripped GD's fist with his left hand. The proud Digimon could not help but scream when he felt his bones and muscles tear from the human's grip.
"Leave him alone, coglione!" Kouki glanced to his right to see Stefania throwing her own empowered DNA charge fist at the human. By instinct, he used his free hand to catch hers as well.
"Oh? 5th Generation Digivice? I thought those were supposed to be new. But I gotta admit," Kouki licked his lips. "You look more delicious up clo—"
"Pirate Punisher!" Unlike the last two attacks, Kouki's instincts made him jump back to avoid a bullet that would have gone between his eyes.
"Looks like someone wants to get back in their cell!" Kouki growled not unlike an angered beast as Captainhookmon walked forward with his long pistol drawn and smoking.
GD got back up, growling as well at how he was ignored and at how Kouki eyed Stefania. "You'll pay for that! We're going to beat you…" Something caught GD's attention as he looked to the side. "Stefania?"
The usually cheerful and brave Stefania was slack on the floor, barely sitting up straight. Her breathing became fast, sharp, and heaved for air to the point of choking on it. Her pupils dilated as she held her wrist where Kouki had grabbed her.
His eyes… his grip… poor Stefania's mind betrayed her, and dragged her into her sweetest nightmare.
Kind words turned bitter and sour; laughter that was once accepting became mocking; white lies that opened red scars; touch that was once warm transformed into repulsive—defiled.
Love.
The word, once so sweet… now so perverted and shameful all pointed inward rather than the one who ruined it.
…
"Stefania!? Hey, Stefania!?" Despite his screams, the young woman did not respond, only gasping for air. Did he hurt you!?" GD was about to go to the girl until Captainhookmon stopped him.
The Captain's eyes were serious as he handed something into GD's claws. "Take her and Expert to Olegmon. I'll hold him off."
"Are you looking down on me!?" Kouki roared as he took out a Digivice similar to Stefania's, but darker and heavier. "Fine, I'll just rip you apart and take what I want! Bio-Hybrid DNA Ch—!"
"Pirate Punisher!"
And so…
One battle within the clouds above, the 100 Percent Combination battled against the Pride of the long-lost Olympos Digimon.
Another combat, in the ruins of a cell, best friends fight a battle both physically and in heart to save what's left, their emotions giving light to two crests: once shining together, now opposing each other.
And within the Core of the City, the Captainhookmon protects not only the heart of his home, but the injured heart of another, haunted by her re-opened scars.
These 3 fights will decide if Hook Haven will sail free skies…
… Or crash into the quaking plates of the Earth Titan's path.
{Author Notes}
I apologize for the "smaller" chapter again. The month has not been kind to me. And I made a promise to myself to update before October ended. I'm also unsure about a lot of things I am trying, so I'm taking a leap of faith and doing so anyway.
Regardless of doubts, I'm also satisfied with where I'm ending the chapter, as it gives me more time to figure out and give these fights a second look that I couldn't focus on here. First drafts meant doing off-screen fights and focusing on Stefania and GD.
Speaking of doubts, I am glad that this is a Rated M fic. I know I wanted a fun story, but I underestimated how many people would put adult themes in their characters. And I do want to respect them, but it's so much harder than I thought. But I am willing to try, and if I fail, I'll learn proper.
But I'm excited about the Digimon here. Captainhookmon looks super cool to me; I've always wanted to write Achilliesmon for reasons; and I was laughing when I found out about Fake Agumon Expert was a "real" Digimon. The story is super slow, so I'm probably not able to get to the parts anyone wants soon, but I am thankful that you guys are still supporting this fic.
I am willing to go the distance and finish this. I owe it to you guys as well as myself. Anyway, thanks for reading this far, and I hope to see your reviews!
{Extra: Preview!}
Chibi Arshan: We-Wel...umm... errr...
Chibi Coro: Welcome to a new section in Failsafe, the Previews!
Chibi Arshan: *Sighs* Thanks, Coro.
Chibi Coro: No problem!
Chibi Arshan: So, since this is a smaller chapter, the author wanted to pad and excite the readers with a teaser of what's to come! I'm worried for Stefania and Mimi. Mimi has to fight her best friend, but what happened to Stefania?
Chibi Coro: That Kouki guy rubs me the wrong way. He's nothing like Ivan! I liked him a lot more. He even gave you good advice on love, Arshan!
Chibi Arshan: L-Let's stay on topic please.
Chibi Coro: Well, I know GD is gonna bring the smack down to that punk, and I can't wait to see it!
Both: Next time! Battle for Hook Haven! Go, South Team! Win!
{End.}